2014 USA GAMES FINAL LEG SUPPORT TEAM

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1 2014 USA GAMES FINAL LEG Ed Dean Mike Failace Ben Fravel Danny Hall New Jersey New Jersey Virginia Delaware Chris Hamel Andrea Kramer David Kramer Kevin Lyons New York Idaho Idaho New Jersey Larry Mays Mike Peretti Michael Podolak Demika Poole New Jersey Northern California New Jersey Pennsylvania

2 2014 USA GAMES FINAL LEG David Reed Jason Schubert James Sepp Francis Tewey New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey Maryland Allan Tittermary Scott Whyte New Jersey Australia

During the Opening Ceremonies, Ed was moved by the warm reception of all athletes and participants and the overall positive atmosphere.

3 FINAL LEG Ed Dean Special Olympics New Jersey Ed has worked for Special Olympics New Jersey for five months, starting in February of this year. He was first introduced to the movement while working at The College of New Jersey, assisting with the Summer Games. During the Opening Ceremonies, Ed was moved by the warm reception of all athletes and participants and the overall positive atmosphere. It inspired Ed to pursue future volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics. He was on the scheduling and games committee for the 2013 Special Olympics North American Softball Invitational and is also currently serving in the same role for the 2014 USA Games. Ed is a big New York sports fan, especially of the New York Yankees, Giants, and Knicks. He is excited to further his experiences with Special Olympics, exemplifying the core principles and showing his Genuine Jersey Pride wherever he goes. Mike Failace Lyndhurst Police Department In January 1996, Mike Failace was sworn in as an Investigator with the Bergen County Sheriff's Department. A graduate of Bergen County Police Academy Class #76, his first assignment was the BCSD Court Security Division before being transferred to the Civil Process Unit and eventually to the Violation of Probation Warrant Squad. In August 1999, Mike was hired as a Police Officer by the Lyndhurst Police Department. After two years as a patrol officer, he was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. In September 2009, Mike was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the Patrol Division, which is the position he currently holds. Mike is an original member of the Lyndhurst Police Emergency Response Team. He is also a member of the department's Honor Guard and an Instructor in the Lyndhurst Junior Police Academy. Page 1

FINAL LEG VIRGINIA Ben Fravel Page 2 Prince William County Police Ben Fravel is a retired 1st Sgt. with the Prince William County Police in Virginia.

He was a Team Leader for both the1999 Final Leg in North Carolina and the 2003 Final Leg in Ireland.

4 FINAL LEG VIRGINIA Ben Fravel Page 2 Prince William County Police Ben Fravel is a retired 1st Sgt. with the Prince William County Police in Virginia. He has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run since He was Virginia s designated runner for the 1993 Final Leg in Austria. He was a Team Leader for both the1999 Final Leg in North Carolina and the 2003 Final Leg in Ireland. He is the recipient of Virginia s Kenny Fields Unsung Hero award and is a member of the Virginia Torch Run Hall of Fame. In 2006 he was inducted into the Richard LaMunyon Torch Run Hall of Fame. He has served on several local, state, regional and international committees and was the Region 2 Coordinator. He is currently the Virginia Torch Run Director DELAWARE Danny Hall Delaware State Police Danny Hall became a Delaware State Trooper in 1990 and participated in his first torch run in From the moment, he was hooked line and sinker in volunteering for everything he could for Special Olympics Delaware. Danny has served as a coach, unified partner, mentor, and a member of many committees. For many, we get into law enforcement to protect and serve the citizens of our jurisdictions. After being involved in Special Olympics Delaware for the past 23 years, part of his job has been to protect and serve those with intellectual disabilities and to do everything in his power to change those with negative views on those that are disabled. He is proud to carry the flame of hope that all people with intellectual disabilities will be treated equally and given every opportunity available to achieve success. He knows with other law enforcement officers around our country, this dream is becoming a reality.

FINAL LEG NEW YORK Chris Hamel Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department Chris Hamel has been a proud member of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department for 24 years, and is currently assigned as a

5 FINAL LEG NEW YORK Chris Hamel Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department Chris Hamel has been a proud member of the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department for 24 years, and is currently assigned as a Detective and Team Leader of the SWAT Team. Chris has served Special Olympics New York with pride and honor as a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the past 23 years. He is the Co-Director of the LETR for the State of New York. He spearheaded the Cops and Lobster program in Dutchess County and made an appearance on the Today Show promoting the Cops and Lobster Program, during that time meeting Billy Crystal. Chris has also coordinated all Torch Runs for Dutchess County for the last 23 years. Chris also started the first Polar Plunge for New York in 1998 as well as the "Rugged Run For Respect" an obstacle course he designed with athletes in mind. Chris and Karen, his wife of 22 years have two daughters - Kaitlyn and Jessica. Kevin Lyons Long Beach Township Police Department Kevin is a recently retired Detective from the Long Beach Township Police Department where he served 25 years in multiple capacities including DARE Officer, Community policing, and the PBA Local's State Delegate for 14 years. Kevin earned a B.A. Degree from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in He is actively involved in his community, serving on the Southern Regional Board of Education for over 15 years. Currently he is the Legal Protection Plan Administrator for the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association and also represents that organization on the NJ State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee. Kevin Has been a resident of Stafford Township, New Jersey for 22 years where he lives with his wife Deborah of 22 years and his four children, Maura, 20, Richard, 18, Kevin Jr., 14 and Kiera, 10. Page 3

FINAL LEG Larry Mays Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police Larry Mays has been a member of the Ports Authority Police since 1993 and was promoted to Detective in 2005.

He is also the Race Director of the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5k for Special Olympics New Jersey which has raised over $1 million over the past 5 years.

6 FINAL LEG Larry Mays Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police Larry Mays has been a member of the Ports Authority Police since 1993 and was promoted to Detective in He has been involved with Law Enforcement Torch Run since Larry is a member of the New Jersey LETR State Committee. He is also the Race Director of the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5k for Special Olympics New Jersey which has raised over $1 million over the past 5 years. Larry lives on the Jersey Shore with his wife Nickole. He is the proud Dad of 6 children and 2 grandchildren. Larry was a Final Leg runner in 2009 and a Support Team member in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Mike Peretti Livermore Police Department Mike Peretti is a 32 year law enforcement veteran, recently retired from the Livermore Police Department. Mike s career highlights include a 20 year attachment to the tactical operations unit, and assignments to traffic, criminal investigations, support services and patrol. Mike has spent 24 years teaching criminal justice courses at the regional police academy and local university. Mike possesses undergraduate and post graduate degrees and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. A member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run since 1998, Mike has served as his agency s coordinator, member of the Northern California LETR Executive Committee, and has been a member of the LETR International Executive Council since Mike has presided as Chair of the LETR International Executive Council since 2010, where he has also Chaired the International Conference Planning Committee. Page 4

FINAL LEG Michael Podolak NJ Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness Michael Podolak began as a SONJ volunteer while a police officer with the Port Authority of NY and NJ Police Department (PAPD).

7 FINAL LEG Michael Podolak NJ Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness Michael Podolak began as a SONJ volunteer while a police officer with the Port Authority of NY and NJ Police Department (PAPD). Retiring from the PAPD in 2003, he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant with the State of New Jersey Office of Homeland Security. As a Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee member for 20 years, Mike is active with both Summer and Winter Games, volunteers for various fund raising events, and in particular, coordinates the annual Plane Pull event along with SONJ. Mike is the recipient of the 2012 New Jersey Special Olympics Law Enforcement Volunteer of the year. PENNSYLVANIA Demika Poole Special Olympics Pennsylvania Demika joined Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) in November of 2007 as the Director of Special Projects and the Torch Run Liaison. Demika s main goal is to help sustain and grow existing and new Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) fundraising events and engage new law enforcement agencies in local LETR activities. Demika is truly amazed at how quickly SOPA s LETR program has grown over the past four years, and appreciates the hard work and dedication of SOPA s LETR volunteers! The spirit of our athletes inspires all of us to be better people and surpass our goals! Demika is honored to be a Final Leg Support Team member for the 2014 USA Games. Page 5

8 FINAL LEG David Reed Special Olympics New Jersey Larry Mays has been a member of the Ports Authority Police since 1993 and was promoted to Detective in He has been involved with Law Enforcement Torch Run since Larry is a member of the New Jersey LETR State Committee. He is also the Race Director of the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5k for Special Olympics New Jersey which has raised over $1 million over the past 5 years. Larry lives on the Jersey Shore with his wife Nickole. He is the proud dad of 6 children and 2 grandchildren. Larry was a Final Leg runner in 2009 and a Support Team member in Jason Schubert Special Olympics New Jersey Jason has been with Special Olympics New Jersey for a little more than four years. After 8 years of working as the Executive Director of Sales for a Minor League Baseball Team he needed a change, a challenge and something that would allow him to give back to the community. He has found all three with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Acting as the Liaison between LETR and SONJ, Jason is responsible for running day to day operations of the LETR department, closely communicating with the LETR State Committee, overseeing all LETR fundraising initiatives and directly coordinating the Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge, the Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge and the LE Golf Classic. Jason enjoys playing golf, watching Indiana University basketball, Indianapolis Colts football, baseball and spending time with his four boys; Luke, Travis, Colton and Evan. Page 6

FINAL LEG James Sepp Bogota Police Department Jimmy Sepp is a Captain with the Bogota Police Department. He has been in Law Enforcement for 24 years.

Jim is married to Kelly and has 3 children. He is looking forward to meeting everyone and growing his LETR family.

9 FINAL LEG James Sepp Bogota Police Department Jimmy Sepp is a Captain with the Bogota Police Department. He has been in Law Enforcement for 24 years. He was fortunate to have been part of the 2013 Korea Final Leg. He has been involved with Special Olympics for what seems like forever and it has been a labor of love for him and his family. Jim is married to Kelly and has 3 children. He is looking forward to meeting everyone and growing his LETR family. MARYLAND Francis Tewey Anne Arundel County Police Department Francis Tewey is a 21-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. He currently is a District Commander and previously served as commander of the Community Relations Division and the Technology and Property Section. His career has included assignments in criminal and narcotics investigations; crime prevention and community policing; and special operations and police communications. He has spearheaded his agency's Law Enforcement Torch Run efforts since They include the LETR, the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge and Red Robin's Tip-a-Cop programs. In 2013 he was honored to lead athletes in the lighting of the cauldrons for both the Winter and Summer Maryland Special Olympics Games. Page 7

FINAL LEG Allan Tittermary US Customs & Border Protection Allan has been a member of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee for over 20 years.

Customs & Border Protection assigned to the Port of Philadelphia Tactical Unit. Although working in Philadelphia, Allan is a resident of New Jersey and resides in Marlton, with my wife and 2 children.

10 FINAL LEG Allan Tittermary US Customs & Border Protection Allan has been a member of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee for over 20 years. He took part in the Final Leg Run for the 1993 World Winter Games in Austria. Allan is currently a Federal Officer with The U.S. Customs & Border Protection assigned to the Port of Philadelphia Tactical Unit. Although working in Philadelphia, Allan is a resident of New Jersey and resides in Marlton, with my wife and 2 children. IDAHO DOCUMENTATION TEAM Andrea started her law enforcement career as a Dispatcher for Boundary County Sheriffs Office and went on to become a Sheriffs Deputy and Narcotics Officer for Bonner County Sheriffs Office. She was also a State Dispatch Instructor and EMT Instructor for ten years. Andrea left law enforcement after eleven years and owns and operates a professional photography business, Stampede Lake Photography Studio, with her husband David. Andrea s first torch run was in 1986 and she has participated in numerous events since then. Andrea has been involved with the Final Leg since 2009 at the Winter World Games in Idaho, World Summer Games in Greece, and Winter Games in 2013 in South Korea. Her number one passion. photography creating an emotion through photos!. Andrea and her husband David live in the beautiful Panhandle of North Idaho with their black lab Magnum and lead a very active life. Page 8 Andrea Kramer Kramer Photography

FINAL LEG DOCUMENTATION TEAM IDAHO David Kramer Bogota Police Department Dave retired in 2008 as Chief of Police for Bonners Ferry, Idaho, but was recently brought back as Interim Chief.

Dave is a graduate of the 199th session of the FBI National Academy and has served as President of the Montana/Idaho FBINAA Chapter and President of the Idaho Chiefs of Police.

11 FINAL LEG DOCUMENTATION TEAM IDAHO David Kramer Bogota Police Department Dave retired in 2008 as Chief of Police for Bonners Ferry, Idaho, but was recently brought back as Interim Chief. He served for over 30 years, the last 20 as Police Chief. Dave is a graduate of the 199th session of the FBI National Academy and has served as President of the Montana/Idaho FBINAA Chapter and President of the Idaho Chiefs of Police. He has been active in Special Olympics for over 20 years as a Coach and Torch Runner, including the Final Leg in Austria 1993, Running Team Leader at the 2009 Final Leg in Idaho. He has been part of the Final Leg Documentation Team in Nebraska 2010, Greece 2011 and South Korea The passion of the Athletes and the Torch Runners on Final Legs is an inspiration to all involved, and being able to capture those memories through the lens of a camera to help spread the message of The Guardians of the Flame is his passion. DOCUMENTATION TEAM AUSTRALIA Scott Whyte New South Wales Police Force Scott Whyte has over 35 years Police Service, working primarily in the field of major criminal investigations and currently holds the position of Commander of the Terrorism Investigations Squad in Sydney at the rank of Detective Superintendent. He has been involved with Law Enforcement Torch Run since 2006 and is the President / Torch Run Director of LETR New South Wales. He currently serves on the LETR International Executive Council as the Coordinator for Oceania Region (Region XIV). Scott has been married to his wife Julianne for 25 years and they have one daughter, Rebecca Page 9

Santa Barbara County Sheriff s Office

Santa Barbara County Sheriff s Office Kelly Hoover Date: 1/5/2015 Public Information Officer Time: 3:00 p.m. (805) 681-4192 News Release Sheriff s Office Welcomes New Employees Bernard Melekian Sworn in